The Gateshead hero who fought in vain to save the life of Westminster terrorist attack victim PC Keith Palmer has welcomed the decision to posthumously award the fallen officer the George medal for bravery.

Tony Davis was at the Houses of Parliament on March 22 when Khalid Masood mowed down and killed four people with a van on Westminster Bridge before stabbing to death PC Palmer who had confronted him at the gates of the Palace of Westminster.

The Team GB boxing coach ran towards danger and desperately tried to revive the officer first aid skills he had learned during his time in the army.

After hearing of PC Palmer’s award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, Mr Davis said it was only fitting as PC Palmer had made the “ultimate sacrifice” in the line of duty.

PC Keith Palmer (Image: PA)

He said: “PC Keith Palmer was viciously murdered in the Westminster terrorist attack in a despicable manner.

“He was taken so early from his family, friends and colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Force. PC Keith Palmer rightly deserves the George Medal, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said she and her colleagues were “immensely proud” of PC Palmer’s bravery.

Paying tribute, she said: “Keith acted that day with no thought for his own safety, intent simply on doing his job and protecting members of the public and Parliament. He paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions.”